Norwich City's acquisition of a player like Jose Cordoba has been a long time coming in the eyes of experienced defensive partner Shane Duffy. 

The Panamanian was the Canaries' first summer signing and has shown his importance to Johannes Hoff Thorup's game model in recent weeks through his physical and technical capabilities. 

Cordoba's physical profile enables Norwich to operate with a high line due to his ability to defend in big spaces, while his ball-playing qualities help enable their deep stages of build-up play. 

Ben Knapper and City's recruitment team identified Cordoba as a player who could thrive within Thorup's system and he has established a strong partnership with Duffy in their last few Championship matches. 

The Irish international explained why his qualities are helping City flourish and why excitement was felt inside the dressing room after his arrival. 

"It helps that he is rapid. He's brilliant. It was frustrating for him at the start because we were all excited by him, and we hadn't had a player like him for a while. One that is big, physical and good in big spaces," Duffy said. 

"He's really comfortable with being really high and drags the team up the pitch with him. He's adapted really well to English football. I thought he would because of the way that he plays, and it's good that the fans have taken to him straight away. 

"Hopefully, we can keep him fit because he's only going to get better. He's only 23, which is incredible."

City now face an anxious wait to discover whether Cordoba will be passed fit enough to face Stoke in their Championship return on Saturday after he was withdrawn from international duty with a knee injury sustained in a 1-1 draw with Leeds. 

Shane Duffy is one member of Norwich City's central defensive stable. Shane Duffy is one member of Norwich City's central defensive stable. (Image: Martyn Haworth/Focus Images Ltd) But if Cordoba isn't fit enough to feature, Duffy is confident that their blend of central defensive options can withstand any Championship test. 

"We're in a really good position at centre back with everyone pushing each other," the Irishman said. "There a lot of options - older ones and younger ones knocking on the door to come in. 

"We've got Grant [Hanley], Brad [Hills], Jaden [Warner], me, Callum [Doyle], who can play there, and Jose, so it's healthy to have that competition, and with this manager, if you don't perform, then he will play someone else."